Bridging Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Architects have been tasked with integrating qualitative and quantitative data sources more frequently in the design and optimization of their work. Measures range from financial to ecological. Yet social and human environmental factors are of growing concerns in the built environment. Data sources may impact building design and present other concerns for architects as data ownership may present legal and ethical conflicts. 

This session will explore these conflicts as well as tools architects may use to manipulate data for design optimization. The panel will draw on case studies highlighting the use of data in other industries and explore how essential qualitative and quantitative data are in researching the relationship between people and space. Architects will be encouraged to embrace the analysis and integration of data in the design process. Panelists with expertise in quantitative data with a qualitative perspective will discuss why their approach is so crucial to design success.

Speakers:
Daniel Davis, Director of Research, WeWork
Nitzan Hermon, Principal, Studio VV6
Shin-pei Tsay, Executive Director, Gehl Institute
Sarah Williams, Associate Professor of Technology and Urban Planning, Massachusetts Intitute of Technology

Moderator:
Melissa Marsh, Associate AIA, Founder & Executive Director, PLASTARC and Senior Managing Director, Savills Studley

Daniel Davis leads a team of researchers investigating how architecture impacts people. The team’s work combines data science and social science to better understand how spaces can be designed to enhance people’s happiness, productivity, and foster a connection to their community. Daniel has a PhD in computational design from RMIT University in Australia. His research at WeWork has appeared in a variety of publications, including Wired and Fast Company.

Nitzan Hermon is researcher of AI, augmentation and language. His background is in design, traditionally as a mix of communication and technology. He worked in–house for media companies in London and New York, before starting his own practice and joining NEW INC–the New Museum incubator for arts and technology as an inaugural member.

Sarah Williams is currently an Associate Professor of Technology and Urban Planning. She also is Director of the Civic Data Design Lab at MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning. The Civic Data Design Lab works with data, maps, and mobile technologies to develop interactive design and communication strategies that expose urban policy issues to broader audiences. Trained as a Geographer (Clark University), Landscape Architect (University of Pennsylvania), and Urban Planner (MIT), Williams’s work combines geographic analysis and design.

Shin-pei Tsay’s diverse experience in practice, design, and policy converges on transforming the built environment so that it is more accessible, equitable, and sustainable. Prior to joining Gehl Institute in July 2016, Shin-pei was the Deputy Executive Director of TransitCenter, a national foundation focused on improving urban transportation. Today TransitCenter is a leading voice for transportation issues in cities with programs carried out by a 12-person staff.

Melissa Marsh is Founder and Executive Director of PLASTARC, a social research, workplace innovation, and real estate strategy firm dedicated to shifting the metrics associated with workplace from ‘square feet and inches’ to ‘occupant satisfaction and performance.’ Melissa also leads the Occupant Experience discipline at Savills Studley, which leverages the tools of social science and business strategy to help organizations make more data-driven and people-centric real estate decisions. With an undergraduate degree in social science and a Master of Architecture from MIT, Melissa is an active contributor to professional and research communities associated with the human factors and the built environment, including Worktech, AIA, CoreNet, IFMA, and EDRA.

 Please Note: Registration for AIA New York and Center for Architecture events constitutes your agreement to the use of you and your guest(s) image or voice in event-related digital and print reproductions (photo/video/etc). If you do NOT agree, email info@aiany.org.